Hi All! I am Ravi Thakur & I belong to Kedia, a village in Bihar. I have been born and brought up in the agricultural fields, and have seen how our farmers have faced hardships & are still presently facing an agricultural crisis. My ancestors were all farmers but my father had quit farming as he knew the importance of education. So, he chose to join a sales company in Bihar where he was a manager. He wanted me to work in a MNC, unlike the neighbors who have dwelled their entire life in farming. Although he understood the plight of our farmers, he wanted me to shun from farming as he assumed there is no future in agriculture.
My childhood in Kedia made me realize that agriculture is an essential part of nature. Agriculture contributes around 17% to the total GDP. Bihar’s contribution is just 4% despite more than 80% being rural population. This is very shocking! The reason is clear. People are either unaware of the agricultural practices or they just quit. I wanted to serve my lands and help our farmers in overcoming the crisis.
I decided to pursue BSc (Hons) in Agriculture from Quantum University, Roorkee. I was determined what to do. I got the opportunity to learn all aspects of farming like Plant Genetics, Horticulture, Agricultural Meteorology, Animal Husbandry, Plant Breeding, Extension of Agriculture, Genetics, Soil Science, etc. that gave me in-depth knowledge. I was fortunate to clear my concepts through practical sessions where one of my faculty members suggested that I should pursue a minor in environmental studies alongside my major.
During my third year, I took a minor in Environmental Studies and gained knowledge on how to prevent soil and how to strengthen the vitality and health of plants. Like every other farm community in our country, Kedia was too plagued with the lethal use of pesticides. The knowledge I had gained taught me the harmful effects of pesticides. I wanted to terminate it from the industry. During my last year, I worked as a Soil Science Intern at IFFCO. I got to learn plant breeding, their cultivation, and soil improvement methods. After the completion of my internship, I went back to transfigure the image of Kedia.
I launched a small campaign raising awareness among the village farmers with the help of my friends. We provided them with ecological pest management solutions by teaching them about using cattle dung, vermicomposting, organic waste, and various plant extracts. After examining the soil, I got to know one of the troubles that our soil was struggling with. It was a victim of nutrient mining. Along with the village authorities, we provided villagers with a vermicomposting unit and biogas plant. We explained to them the perks of these ecological practices having zero negative impact on the environment. Within two years we found a massive improvement in our agricultural productivity. My aim to help our farmers yield healthy and safe crops together with earning a good income was accomplished. But I have not stopped here. Being a soil & plant scientist, I will continue to cater help to all our farmers throughout the country.
With a minor in environmental studies, I was able to work on our sustainable agricultural solutions to transform the lives of many. With the support of our farmers, I am continuously working towards breaking the chain of chemical abuse in farming. We have pledged to use nitrogen and other essential nutrients to eradicate chlorosis in plants.